Pastor arrested

A pastor and two members of her congregation in Windsor, St. Ann's Bay, were on Tuesday arrested and charged with breaches of the Disaster Risk Management Act.

Radio Jamaica News was informed that, about 12:30 the police attempted to halt a service which was in progress at a church called City of Refuge Endtime Prophetic Ministries.

The police reported that more 50 people, including children, were attending the service and not wearing masks.

Operations officer for the St Ann Police, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Francis, said the pastor was told to end the service, but she ignored this directive, which led to her arrest.

She was also charged with disorderly conduct and assault at common law.

The pastor and the two congregants are scheduled to appear in the St. Ann Parish Court on May 4.

PM and church leaders

In a related matter, Prime Minister Andrew Holness had a virtual meeting with members of  the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches on Tuesday to discuss tightened COVID-19 prevention measures.

In a statement after the meeting, the Prime Minister said he was pleased with the level of cooperation and leadership displayed.

As was announced on Sunday, all churches are required engage only in online services until March 22.  

A maximum 10 persons, including members of  the clergy, will be allowed to be physically present at the place of worship to facilitate online broadcasting.